Condor is going to use the Commodore Clipper to get people to and from France at weekends this winter.

The incumbent ferry firm has published its winter schedule, its last for the November - March period under its existing contract.

The timetable runs from 4 November and includes a new Clipper weekend service to France in January and February.

Christophe Mathieu, Condor’s CEO said: "Using Clipper to St Malo means we can ensure a more resilient service and excellent timings for those planning a weekend away in winter."

On the UK route, the Clipper and Islander will be used to run overnight services in both directions.

"The overnight conventional sailings to and from Portsmouth have also proved to be popular so these will continue through to next March," Mr Mathieu said.

Sailings have been announced until 27 March, but Condor says it is accepting pre-registrations for all routes next summer while it waits to hear of it will be awarded the contract to continue operating in the Channel Islands.

We're told the ferry firm has proposed a timetable for next summer similar to this year's.

"We are currently finalising our tender and believe we can demonstrate we are the right operator, with the right ships and also the right experience to continue servicing Jersey and Guernsey into the future."

Passengers can pre-register completely free of charge for Summer 2025 and will be recontacted by Condor to finalise their bookings once confirmation is received that the tender has been secured.

Today (8 July) is the deadline for companies to get their in their tenders to run ferries to the islands after next March.

Since May, firms have been invited by both Jersey and Guernsey's governments to apply to operate passenger and freight services for the next 15 years.

Danish firm DFDS wants to take over from Condor.

Both firms have tested berthed larger vessels in St Helier and St Peter Port in recent months.  

Stena Line, which had been interested in the contract, withdrew.

It's understood the contract will be awarded at the end of September 2024.